Purpose

The Gospel is Matthew 9:35-10:8(9-23)

One definition of compassion is a deep feeling of sympathy for another’s suffering accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate that suffering. Jesus had compassion for the harassed and helpless crowds.

We’d expect him to take action to alleviate their suffering, but he did not do this. Instead, he commissioned his 12 disciples to do this work. This was a turning point in Jesus’ ministry; he wanted his disciples to participate with Him in the healing and redemption of the world.

At this point, the 12 disciples became “apostles”, which means “those who are sent out.” Their relationship with Jesus changed: they became his commissioned surrogates, His healing and transforming presence in the world. This is our calling also, as exemplified in our christening.

It is not a question of a good man who died 2000 years ago, but that of living man being, Jesus, being born in us as a new “little Christ.”

Thus we need to and learn to stand back from our habitual fussings and frettings, letting Him soak through us, permeate us.

The purpose of the Church is to draw us into Christ, to make us into “little Christs.” Our true selves are waiting for us in Christ, so we can fulfill our purpose and take the Gospel of God’s love and healing to the world.

Scripture quotations are from New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.